Having a drink or sweets after a hard day's work somehow gives us the strength to keep going tomorrow. Rewards are a mysterious source of energy. This month, in honor of Father's Day on June 17th (Sunday), we're featuring "Delicious Rewards for Men." First up, representing men who enjoy rewarding themselves, is bar poet Rui Yoshida. With Isetan Food Department Manager Kanaya as the interviewer, we talked to him while he savored some reward foods. Not just for fathers, but for all men, we want to encourage you to become a man who cherishes rich moments and knows how to reward himself.

---

---

Alcohol and food are the easiest rewards.

Today's theme at Kanaya is "A Delicious Reward for Men," and we've prepared a beer and bread pairing recommended by Isetan. I'd like to hear your thoughts while you enjoy this, Mr. Yoshida. What does a reward mean to you?
A trip to Yoshida would be a reward, but when it comes to easily obtainable rewards, it's gotta be alcohol and food, right? For me, my reward is moray eel shabu-shabu.
Kanaya , wow! Eel shabu-shabu?
Yoshida: This dish is from Kochi Prefecture and is served arranged on a plate like fugu sashimi. The taste is similar to fugu, but since moray eel is larger, the meat is a bit thicker. The skin is especially delicious. When raw, it's tough and hard to bite through, but if you simmer it in hot water for two or three minutes, it becomes incredibly soft and has a bouncy texture like soft-shelled turtle skin. It's fantastic paired with sake.


Kanaya , do you usually consciously try to pair alcohol with food?
Yoshida: I generally don't drink alcohol on its own. My introduction to alcohol was wine, but wine is always paired with food. So, I make sure to choose side dishes that go well with sake, and if I'm having beer, I think meat dishes or bread like this would be good.

This alone makes it a slightly special day, doesn't it?

At Kanaya , we've got you covered right away with this pairing: "Nat Brown Ale" from Alesmith Brewery in San Diego, USA, and "Tear-and-Share Bread with Wheat Germ and Four Ingredients."

The aroma of NEXT wheat goes well with beer. The bread also makes a nice snack.